The earliest 3D printing technologies first became visible in the late 1980’s, at which time they were called 

Rapid Prototyping (RP) technologies. This is because the processes were originally conceived as a fast and 

more cost-effective method for creating prototypes for product development within industry. As an interesting

aside, the very first patent application for RP technology was filed by a Dr Kodama, in Japan, in May 1980.

Unfortunately for Dr Kodama, the full patent specification was subsequently not filed before the one year 

deadline after the application, which is particularly disastrous considering that he was a patent lawyer! In 

real terms, however, the origins of 3D printing can be traced back to 1986, when the first patent was issued 

for stereolithography apparatus (SLA). This patent belonged to one Charles (Chuck) Hull, who first invented

his SLA machine in 1983. Hull went on to co-found 3D Systems Corporation — one of the largest and most 

prolific organizations operating in the 3D printing sector today.

New technology are being conducted by the more advanced technology providers for specific tooling, casting 

and direct manufacturing applications. This saw the emergence of new terminology, namely Rapid Tooling (RT), 

Rapid Casting and Rapid Manufacturing (RM) respectively.Stereo Lithography (SLA) 3D printing, Selective Laser 

Sintering (SLS) 3D printing, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing, Objet Geometries multijet/inkjet 3D 

printing, and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) prototypes.

Let your idea and shape at the Strongd company with 3D printing. Strongd owns and operates an important 

gambit of production grade 3D printing machines ensuring that even the largest prototypes or short run production

runs are produced in a timely manner and with high precision and quality.